Image processing system, digital camera, and printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

In order to print an image sensed by a digital camera using a printing apparatus for forming an image on a print medium, image data corresponding to the sensed image is converted into print data, and the converted data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, thereby providing an image processing system which can print an image sensed by the digital camera using the printing apparatus without the intervention of any computer, and a digital camera and printing apparatus suitable for the image processing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image processing system forprocessing an image sensed by a digital camera to be printed by aprinting apparatus, and a digital camera and printing apparatus suitablefor the image processing system.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In general, when an image sensed by a digital camera is output toa printer as one of printing apparatuses, a personal computer (to beabbreviated as a “PC” hereinafter) is used. The PC captures image datafrom the digital camera, converts the captured image data into printdata that can be processed by the printer, and thereafter, outputs theconverted print data to the printer.

[0005] This processing will be described in detail below with referenceto FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows the arrangement of the image processingsystem.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 15, the image processing system is built by adigital camera 110, PC 112, and printer 114. communication cable 118,and prints an image converted into the print data onto a print papersheet.

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned image processing system, in orderto capture image data sensed by the digital camera 110 into the PC 112,connection of the communication cable 116, start of the communicationsoftware, start of the printer driver for converting the captured imagedata into print data and outputting the converted print data, and thelike must be done, and operations for printing an image sensed by thedigital camera 110 are complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing system which allows a digital camera to transmit image datato a printing apparatus without the intervention of any computer.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an imageprocessing system having a digital camera for sensing an image andgenerating image data, and a printing apparatus for printing an image ona print medium on the basis of print data, wherein the digital cameracomprises: data conversion means for converting the image data into theprint data; and first communication means for communicating with theprinting apparatus, and the printing apparatus comprises: secondcommunication means for communicating with the digital camera.

[0010] Also, there is disclosed an image processing system having adigital camera for sensing an image and generating image data, and aprinting apparatus for printing an image on a print medium on the basisof print data, wherein the digital camera comprises: first communicationmeans for communicating with the printing apparatus; and execution meansfor executing software received by the first communication means, theprinting apparatus comprises: second communication means forcommunicating with the digital camera; and storage means for storingdata conversion software for converting the image data into the printdata, and the printing apparatus transmits the data conversion softwareto the digital camera.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing system which allows a printing apparatus to print an imagesensed by a digital camera without requiring any complicated operations.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an imageprocessing system having a digital camera for sensing an image andgenerating image data, and a printing apparatus for printing an image ona print medium on the basis of print data, wherein the digital cameracomprises: data conversion means for converting the image data into theprint data; and first communication means for communicating with theprinting apparatus, and the printing apparatus comprises: secondcommunication means for communicating with the digital camera.

[0013] Also, there is disclosed an image processing system having adigital camera for sensing an image and generating image data, and aprinting apparatus for printing an image on a print medium on the basisof print data, wherein the digital camera comprises: first communicationmeans for communicating with the printing apparatus; and execution meansfor executing software received by the first communication means, theprinting apparatus comprises: second communication means forcommunicating with the digital camera; and storage means for storingdata conversion software for converting the image data into the printdata, and the printing apparatus transmits the data conversion softwareto the digital camera.

[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide adigital camera and printing apparatus suitably used in the imageprocessing system.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an imageprocessing system having a digital camera for sensing an image andgenerating image data, and a printing apparatus for printing an image ona print medium on the basis of print data, wherein the digital cameracomprises: data conversion means for converting the image data into theprint data; and first communication means for communicating with theprinting apparatus, and the printing apparatus comprises: secondcommunication means for communicating with the digital camera.

[0016] Also, there is disclosed a digital camera for an image processingsystem having a digital camera for sensing an image and generating imagedata, and a printing apparatus for printing an image on a print mediumon the basis of print data, comprising: communication means forcommunicating with the printing apparatus, wherein the image data istransmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication means.

[0017] Furthermore, there is disclosed a printing apparatus for an imageprocessing system having a digital camera for sensing an image andgenerating image data, and a printing apparatus for printing an image ona print medium on the basis of print data, comprising: communicationmeans for communicating with the digital camera; and data conversionmeans for converting image data received by the communication means intoprint data, wherein when the image data is received from the digitalcamera via the communication means, the data conversion means isstarted.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageprocessing system according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a digitalcamera 10 shown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printer 12shown in FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of thedigital camera 10;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of the digitalcamera 10;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of the printer12;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the print mode selectionwindow;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the print mode selectionwindow of the pseudo halftone processing method;

[0027]FIGS. 9A to 9D are views showing the correspondence between thezoom-displayed image and print result;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation for printing azoom-displayed image in a zoom state;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation for printing animage in correspondence with a paper sheet set on the printer 12;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation for printing animage in correspondence with a paper sheet set on the printer 12;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the window for selecting adesired print size;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the arrangement for connectingthe digital camera 10 and a computer 70 via infrared ray communications;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the arrangement of an imageprocessing system;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a digitalcamera 10;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printer12;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of thedigital camera 10 on its back side;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the control operation of thedigital camera 10;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the control operation of thedigital camera 10;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the control operation of theprinter 12;

[0040]FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the control operation of theprinter 12;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the selection window ofprint modes on the digital camera 10;

[0042]FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the selection window ofother print modes on the digital camera 10;

[0043]FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageprocessing system;

[0044]FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageprocessing system;

[0045]FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the control operation of thedigital camera 10;

[0046]FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the control operation of thedigital camera 10;

[0047]FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the control operation of thedigital camera 10;

[0048]FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the control operation of theprinter 12;

[0049]FIG. 31 is a view showing an image to be output from the printer12;

[0050]FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the control operation of theprinter 12;

[0051]FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the control operation of theprinter 12; and

[0052]FIG. 34 is a view showing an image to be output from the printer12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] (First Embodiment)

[0055]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageprocessing system according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. A digital camera 10 and printer 12 respectively have infraredray communication interfaces 16 and 18 that allow inter-communicationsvia infrared rays 14. The digital camera 10 transmits image data to beprinted as an infrared ray signal to the printer 12 via the infrared raycommunication interface 16. The printer 12 receives the infrared raysignal by the infrared ray communication interface 18, and prints thereceived image data.

[0056]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the digitalcamera 10 shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 20 denotes a CPU forcontrolling the overall digital camera 10; 22, a ROM that stores variousprograms executed by the CPU 20 and data; 24, a RAM used by the CPU 20as a work memory; and 26, a flash memory for storing sensed image data.Reference numeral 28 denotes an image sensing circuit forphotoelectrically converting an object optical image, and outputting theconverted digital video signal; 30, a color processing conversioncircuit for performing color processing conversion of the digital videosignal output from the image sensing circuit 28 under the control of theCPU 20, and outputting the color-converted image data to an image memory32; 34, a liquid crystal display panel which serves as a finder, and areproduction display means of an image stored in the flash memory 26,and displays image data and the like; 36, a display control circuit forcontrolling display of the liquid crystal panel 34 under the control ofthe CPU 20; 38, operation switches (a shutter switch, mode conversionswitch, power switch, image data selection switch, and the like) used bythe user to operate the digital camera 10; and 40, an input port forreceiving a signal input from each of the operation switches 38.

[0057] Reference numeral 42 denotes an IrDA communication controlcircuit for performing modulation/demodulation and serial communicationcontrol based on IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication as oneof infrared ray communication schemes and exchanging an electricalsignal with an infrared ray transceiver 44. The infrared ray transceiver44 converts an electrical signal output from the IrDA communicationcontrol circuit 42 into an infrared ray signal and transmits theconverted signal. Also, the transceiver 44 converts an infrared raysignal received from the printer 12 into an electrical signal, andoutputs the converted signal to the IrDA communication control circuit42. The IrDA communication control circuit 42 and infrared raytransceiver 44 constitute the infrared ray communication interface 16.

[0058] Reference numeral 46 denotes an internal bus that inter-connectsthe CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, flash memory 26, color processing conversioncircuit 30, image memory 32, display control circuit 36, input port 38,and IrDA communication control circuit 44.

[0059]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the printer12 shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 50 denotes a CPU for controllingthe overall printer 12; 52, a ROM that stores various programs to beexecuted by the CPU 50 and data; and 54, a RAM used by the CPU 50 as awork memory. Reference numeral 56 denotes an IrDA communication controlcircuit having the same function as that of the IrDA communicationcontrol circuit 42; and 58, an infrared ray transceiver for convertingan electrical signal from the IrDA communication control circuit 56 intoan infrared ray signal and transmitting the converted signal, andconverting an infrared ray signal from an external device into anelectrical signal and outputting the converted signal to the IrDAcommunication control circuit 56. The IrDA communication control circuit56 and infrared ray transceiver 58 make up the infrared raycommunication interface 18. Reference numeral 60 denote variousoperation switches including a power switch, paper discharge switch, andthe like; 62, an input port for inputting the operation states of theoperation switches 60; and 64, a printer engine control circuit forcontrolling a printer engine 66 to print print data.

[0060] The CPU 50, ROM 52, RAM 54, IrDA communication control circuit56, input port 62, and printer engine control circuit 64 are connectedto each other via an internal bus 68.

[0061] The basic operation of the digital camera 10 will be explainedbelow. An image captured by the image sensing circuit 28 is convertedinto image data of a predetermined format by the color processingconversion circuit 30, and the converted image data is temporarilystored in the image memory 32. Before the shutter is pressed, the imagedata stored in the image memory 32 is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34 under the control of the display control circuit 36.More specifically, the liquid crystal display panel 34 serves as afinder. When the user has pressed the shutter included in the operationswitches 38, that operation is transmitted to the CPU 20 via the inputport 40 and internal bus 46, and the CPU 20 transfers the storedcontents of the image memory 32 to the flash memory 26. In this manner,the sensed image data is stored in the flash memory 26.

[0062]FIG. 4 shows the outer appearance of the digital camera 10. Thesame reference numerals in FIG. 4 denote the same parts as in FIG. 2.Reference numeral 44 a denotes an infrared ray filter which transmitsinfrared rays, and is disposed to cover the light-emitting surface andlight-receiving surface of the infrared ray transceiver 44. Referencenumeral 38 a denotes a shutter button included in the operation switches38; and 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d, switches used for designating a liquidcrystal display mode, selecting the image to be displayed, and so on,and included in the operation switches 38.

[0063] Processing for transmitting image data from the digital camera 10to the printer 12 via infrared ray communications and printing thetransmitted image data will be explained below.

[0064]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of the digitalcamera 10. The CPU 20 of the digital camera 10 instructs the IrDAcommunication control circuit 42 in the infrared ray communicationinterface 16 to start communications with the infrared ray communicationinterface 18 of the printer 12. The communications are made based on acommunication protocol defined by IrDA. The IrDa infrared raycommunications are half-duplex communications using infrared rays andcan communicate data in two ways. A communication connection is setbetween the infrared ray communication interface 16 of the digitalcamera 10 and the infrared ray communication interface 18 of the printer12 (S1). Using the set communication connection, the digital camera 10and printer 12 can perform two-way communications.

[0065] The CPU 20 requests the printer 12 transmission of print dataconversion software (S2), and stands by to receive the print dataconversion software (S3). The print data conversion software to beexecuted by the CPU 20 of the digital camera 10 converts image datastored in the flash memory 26 of the digital camera 10 into a dataformat that the printer 12 can print (i.e., print data). The dataconversion software has programs associated with various kinds of modesetting and a user interface for setting a mode upon printing printdata.

[0066] The CPU 20 starts reception of the print data conversion software(S3), and upon completion of reception (S4), it stores the received dataconversion software in the flash memory 26 (S5). The CPU 20 then startsthe data conversion software stored in the flash memory 26 (S6).

[0067] The started data conversion software sends data of a print modesetting dialog window to the display control circuit 36 to display theprint mode setting dialog window on the liquid crystal display panel 34(S7). FIG. 7 shows the print mode setting dialog window. In FIG. 7, thedialog window for selecting one of HQ and HS modes is displayed. The HQmode instructs high-quality (low-speed) printing, and the HS modeinstructs high-speed (low-quality) printing.

[0068] At this time, the CPU 20 monitors the operation states of theoperation switches 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d (S8) and waits for a user'sinput (S9). If the user selects the HQ mode (S10), the CPU 20 convertsthe image data stored in the flash memory 26 into print datacorresponding to the HQ mode (S11); otherwise, the CPU 20 converts theimage data stored in the flash memory 26 into print data correspondingto the HS mode (S12). In either case, the obtained print data istemporarily stored in the flash memory 26 or RAM 24.

[0069] The digital camera 10 transmits the print data obtained in stepS11 or S12 to the printer 12 set with the communication connection viathe infrared ray communication interface 16 (S13). More specifically,the print data temporarily stored in the flash memory 26 or RAM 24 istransferred to the IrDA communication control circuit 42 via theinternal bus 46. The IrDA communication control circuit 42 modulates theinput print data to be suitable for communications, and supplies themodulated data to the infrared ray transceiver 44. The infrared raytransceiver 44 outputs the received data as an infrared ray signal.

[0070] Upon completion of transmission of the print data, the CPU 20transmits a disconnection request of the communication connectionbetween the digital camera 10 and printer 12 to the printer 12 (S14) todisconnect the communication connection with the printer 12 (S15).

[0071]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of the printer12. The operation of the printer 12 will be described below withreference to FIG. 6. The CPU 50 sets a communication connection with thedigital camera 10 using the IrDA communication control circuit 56 of theinfrared ray communication interface 18 (S21). The CPU 50 waits forreceipt of a print data conversion software request from the digitalcamera 10 (S22). Upon reception of the request, the CPU 50 sends theprint data conversion software to the digital camera 10 (S23). Morespecifically, the CPU 50 reads out the print data conversion softwarestored in the ROM 52 or the like, and transfers it to the IrDAcommunication control circuit 56 via the internal bus 68. The IrDAcommunication control circuit 56 modulates the input print dataconversion software to be suitable for communications, and supplies itto the infrared ray transceiver 58. The infrared ray transceiver 58converts the signal received from the IrDA communication control circuit56 into an infrared ray signal, and transmits the converted signal tothe digital camera 10.

[0072] Upon completion of transmission of the print data conversionsoftware, the CPU 50 waits for reception of print data (S24). If printdata reception is started (S24), the CPU 50 checks if the received printdata corresponds to the HQ mode (S25).

[0073] If the print data corresponds to the HQ mode (S25), the CPU 50instructs the printer engine control circuit 64 to process the receivedprint data in the HQ mode, so as to output an image expressed by theprint data from the printer engine 66 to have high quality (S26, S27,S28).

[0074] If the print data does not correspond to the HQ mode (S25), theCPU 50 directs the printer engine control circuit 64 to process thereceived print data in the HS mode so as to output an image expressed bythe print data from the printer engine 66 at high speed (S29, S30, S31).

[0075] Upon completion of reception of the print data (S28, S31), theprinter 12 waits for a disconnection request of the infrared raycommunications from the digital camera 10 (S32). Upon receiving adisconnection request of the infrared ray communication connection(S32), the printer 12 disconnects the communication connection with thedigital camera 10 (S33).

[0076] In this manner, by making infrared ray communications between thedigital camera 10 and printer 12, the digital camera 10 can directlytransmit image data to the printer 12 to print it out.

[0077] In this embodiment, the HQ and HS modes can be selected as theprint mode. However, the present invention is not limited to these twomodes. An ink-jet printer must execute pseudo halftone processing uponprinting image data. The pseudo halftone processing includes somemethods such as ED (error diffusion), dither, and the like. In thiscase, the pseudo halftone processing modes may be selected using thesame dialog window as the selection dialog window for the HQ and HSmodes. FIG. 8 shows the selection window of the pseudo halftoneprocessing methods.

[0078] Furthermore, color matching modes may be set. Upon settingvarious conditions, a dialog window for setting such conditions may bedisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 34, and may allow the userto set desired conditions using the switches 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d.

[0079] Processing for printing an image zoom-displayed on the liquidcrystal display panel 34 in the zoomed size will be explained below.FIGS. 9A to 9D show the correspondence between the zoom-displayed imageand its printout result. Note that FIGS. 9A to 9D illustrate as if thesize of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel were thesame as that of the printed image, but they do not always match.However, the range of the displayed image roughly matches that of theprinted image. Assuming that FIG. 9A shows an image displayed on theliquid crystal display panel 34 of the digital camera 10, when thatimage is printed, an image shown in FIG. 9B is obtained. In thisembodiment, when the image shown in FIG. 9A is zoom-displayed, as shownin FIG. 9C, the zoom-displayed image can be printed, as shown in FIG.9D.

[0080]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation for printing out thezoom-displayed image in the zoom state. Steps S41 to S46 respectivelycorrespond to steps S1 to S6 in FIG. 5, and a detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted since the same processing is done. After theprint data conversion software is started (S46), the designated image isread out from the flash memory 26 to the image memory 32, and isdisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 34 under the control ofthe display control circuit 36 (S47).

[0081] The CPU 20 monitors the operation states of the operationswitches 38 (S48, S49) to check if the user's operation selects a zoomdisplay mode (S50). If the user's operation selects the zoom displaymode (S50), the CPU 20 instructs the display control circuit 36 todisplay the image stored in the image memory 32 on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34 in an enlarged scale (S51). The CPU 20 then convertsthe image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 34 into onehaving a size corresponding to the zoom ratio (S52), and stores thesize-converted image data in the flash memory 26 (S53). If the zoomdisplay mode is not selected (S50), the CPU 20 stores the image datastored in the image memory 32 in the flash memory 26 (S54). In eithercase, the CPU 20 converts the image data stored in the flash memory 26into print data (S55).

[0082] Since the subsequent processing (S56 to S58) corresponds to thatin steps S13 to S15 in FIG. 5 and the same processing is done, adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] In this manner, the image zoom-displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34 can be printed from the printer 12.

[0084] In this embodiment, an image can also be size-converted incorrespondence with the size of a paper sheet set on the printer 12, andthe size-converted image can be printed. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flow chartsshowing the operation for printing an image in correspondence with thesize of the paper sheet set on the printer 12.

[0085] Since steps S61 to S66 correspond to steps S1 to S6 in FIG. 5 andthe same processing is done, a detailed description thereof will beomitted. After the print data conversion software is started (S66), aprint mode setting dialog window is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34 (S67).

[0086]FIG. 13 shows the paper size selection window. The user canmanually select a desired paper size (A4, B5, and A5 in FIG. 13). Also,the user can select one of an equal-magnification print mode forprinting an image independently of the paper size, and an automaticvariable-magnification mode for automatically converting the size of animage in correspondence with the paper size and printing thesize-converted image. Furthermore, in the automaticvariable-magnification mode, automatic paper setting can be done. Thatis, the size of a paper sheet set on the printer 12 (if a plurality ofpaper sizes are available, the paper size normally used) isautomatically detected, and the size of the image is automaticallyconverted in correspondence with the detected paper size to print outthe size-converted image.

[0087] The CPU 20 waits for a user's switch input in step S69 in FIG.11, and if an input is detected, the CPU 20 checks if the input selectsthe automatic variable-magnification mode (S70). If the automaticvariable-magnification mode is not selected, the CPU 20 converts imagedata into print data (S76).

[0088] If the automatic variable-magnification mode is selected (S70),the CPU 20 checks if automatic paper setting is to be done (S71). If oneof the paper sizes (A4, B5, and A4 in FIG. 13) displayed on the liquidcrystal display panel 34 is selected (S71), the CPU 20 sets the selectedpaper size (S75), and converts the image to be printed into print datawhose size is converted in correspondence with the set paper size (S74).

[0089] If automatic paper setting is to be done (S71), the CPU 20requests the printer 12 information of the size of a paper sheet set onthe printer 12 (S72). The CPU 50 of the printer 12 transmits the sizeinformation of the paper sheet set on the printer 12 to the digitalcamera 10 in accordance with the received request. The CPU 20 sets thepaper size based on the information from the printer 12 (S73), andconverts the image to be printed into print data whose size is convertedin correspondence with the set paper size (S74).

[0090] Since steps S77 to S79 after step S74 or S76 correspond to stepsS13 to S15 in FIG. 5 and the same processing is done, a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

[0091] With the above-mentioned operations, an image can be printed inthe image size corresponding to the size of a paper sheet set on theprinter 12.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiment, since the printer 12 transfersthe print data conversion software to the digital camera 10, variouskinds of printers 12 can be used. When the printer 12 used has a novelfunction, the user can immediately make use of that novel function. Ofcourse, print data conversion software may be pre-installed on thedigital camera 10. In this case, the print data conversion software maybe stored in the ROM 22 in place of the flash memory 26.

[0093] Furthermore, the print data conversion software may betransferred from a computer 70 in place of the printer 12, as shown inFIG. 14. The computer 70 comprises an infrared ray interface 72 similarto the infrared ray communication interface 18 of the printer 12.

[0094] The digital camera 10 requests the computer 70 transmission ofthe print data conversion software as in the printer 12. The computer 70transmits the print data conversion software to the digital camera 10 onthe basis of this request, and the digital camera 10 stores the receivedprint data conversion software in the flash memory 26 or the like.Conversely, the computer 70 may request the digital camera 10 receptionof the print data conversion software, and may transmit the print dataconversion software to the digital camera 10.

[0095] The IrDA scheme has been exemplified as the infrared raycommunication scheme among the digital camera 10, printer 12, andcomputer 70. Instead, ASK (amplitude shift keying) may be used.Furthermore, in place of the infrared ray communication scheme, a radiocommunication scheme may be used. The radio communication schemeincludes a time-division digital communication scheme, spread spectrumscheme, and the like, and any scheme may be used.

[0096] On the other hand, when a wired communication scheme is used, aUSB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394, and the like can be used.

[0097] The digital camera 10 may be either a digital still camera or adigital video camera having a still mode. Since it is not indispensableto print the sensed image in real time, the digital camera 10 may be animage reproduction device that can reproduce an image recorded on arecording medium and can output it as digital data.

[0098] (Second Embodiment)

[0099] The second embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of adigital camera 10. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the arrangement ofa printer 12. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the outer appearanceof the digital camera 10 on its back side.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16, the digital camera 10 has an image sensingcircuit 28 for sensing an image and generating an image signal of thesensed image. The image signal generated by the image sensing circuit 28is output to a color processing conversion circuit 30. The colorprocessing conversion circuit 30 converts the image signal into imagedata by color conversion processing, and temporarily stores theconverted image data in an image memory 32. The image data stored in theimage memory 32 is output to a display control circuit 36 or a flashmemory 26 via an internal bus 46.

[0101] The display control circuit 36 controls a liquid crystal displaypanel 34 to display image data input from the image memory 32 or dataprocessed by the CPU 20. The liquid crystal display panel 34 serves as afinder, monitor, and the like. Also, the liquid crystal display panel 34displays data such as various kinds of setting information, e.g., animage sensing mode, time information, and the like. The time informationis acquired from a timepiece device 215. The timepiece device 215 has acalendar function, and is backed up by a secondary battery 216 to beable to continue its timepiece operation while the power switch of thedigital camera 10 is OFF.

[0102] The flash memory 26 stores image data input from the image memory32, and transfers the stored image data to an infrared ray communicationinterface 16 via the internal bus 46.

[0103] The infrared ray communication interface 16 comprises an IrDAcommunication control circuit 42 connected to the internal bus 46, andan infrared ray transceiver 44. The IrDA communication control circuit42 executes modulation/demodulation and serial communication controlbased on IrDA (Infrared Data Association) as one of infrared raycommunication schemes, and exchanges an electrical signal with theinfrared ray transceiver 44 in accordance with this communicationcontrol. The infrared ray transceiver 44 converts an electrical signaloutput from the IrDA communication control circuit 42 into acorresponding infrared ray signal, and transmits the converted infraredray signal as infrared rays 14. Also, the transceiver 44 receivesinfrared rays 14 and converts them into an electrical signal, andoutputs the converted electrical signal to the IrDA communicationcontrol circuit 42. The IrDA scheme is half-duplex communication usinginfrared rays, and can communicate data in two ways.

[0104] The above-mentioned blocks are connected to the CPU 20 via theinternal bus 46. The CPU 20 controls the above-mentioned blocks byreading out a control program stored in a ROM 22 and executing thereadout program. A RAM 24 is used as a temporary storage area of dataand work area for arithmetic processing upon executing the control bythe CPU 20. The control program includes a system program that describesthe control of the overall digital camera 10, and a plurality ofindividual programs that describe control of an image sensing mode, andthe like, and each program is read out and executed in correspondencewith the operation states of operation switches 38. The ROM 22pre-stores print data conversion software in addition to theabove-mentioned control program. The print data conversion software isread out from the ROM 22 in accordance with a request from the printer12, and is transmitted to the printer 12.

[0105] The operation switches 38 include various switches such as ashutter switch, mode selection switch, power switch, image dataselection switch, and the like, as will be described later. Theoperation states of the individual switches included in the operationswitches 38 are output to the CPU 20 via an input port 40.

[0106] In this digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. 18, a shutter switch404, mode selection switch 405, image selection switch 406, power switch407, print switch 408, and the like included in the switches 38 aredisposed on the upper surface of a body 401. The shutter switch 404instructs the image sensing timing of the image sensing circuit 28. Themode selection switch 405 is used for selecting one of the image sensingmode and reproduction mode. The image selection switch 406 is used forselecting the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel34 from those stored in the flash memory 26 in the reproduction mode.The power switch 407 is used for turning on/off the power supply. Theprint switch 408 instructs transmission of the image to be printed tothe printer 12. A transmission/reception window 44 for transmitting aninfrared ray signal from the infrared ray transceiver 44 and receivingan infrared ray signal from the printer 12 is formed on the side surfaceof the body 401. A filter is fitted in this window 44. Furthermore, theliquid crystal display panel 34 is disposed on the back surface of thebody 401 to expose its screen 34 externally.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 17, the printer 12 has an infrared raycommunication interface 18, which comprises an IrDA communicationcontrol circuit 56 connected to an internal bus 68 and an infrared raytransceiver 58, as in the infrared ray communication interface 16 of thedigital camera 10. The IrDA communication control circuit 56 executesmodulation/demodulation and serial communication control based on IrDA,and exchanges an electrical signal with the infrared ray transceiver 58in accordance with this communication control. The infrared raytransceiver 58 converts an electrical signal received from the IrDAcommunication control circuit 56 into a corresponding infrared raysignal, and transmits it as infrared rays 14. Also, the transceiver 58receives and converts infrared rays 14 into an electrical signal, andoutputs the converted electrical signal to the IrDA communicationcontrol circuit 56.

[0108] In the infrared ray communication interface 18, upon receivingthe print data conversion software transmitted from the digital camera10, the print data conversion software is temporarily stored in a RAM 54via the internal bus 68. Thereafter, the print data conversion softwareis read out and executed by the CPU 50. Upon executing this software, anenvironment for converting image data from the digital camera 10 intoprint data that can be printed is built in the printer 12. Subsequently,the infrared ray communication interface 18 receives image datatransmitted from the digital camera 10. The received image data isconverted into print data in accordance with the processing of the printdata conversion software executed by the CPU 50. The converted printdata is transferred to a printer engine control circuit 64 via theinternal bus 68.

[0109] The printer engine control circuit 64 controls a printer engine66. The printer engine 66 prints an image corresponding to the printdata on a print medium.

[0110] The CPU 50 is connected to the above-mentioned blocks via theinternal bus 68, executes the above-mentioned print data conversionsoftware, and controls the individual blocks on the basis of a controlprogram stored in a ROM 52. The RAM 54 is used as a temporary storagearea of data and work area for arithmetic processing upon executing thecontrol by the CPU 50. The control program includes a system programthat describes the control of the overall printer 12, and a plurality ofindividual programs that describe control of the individual blocks, andeach program is read out and executed in correspondence with theoperation states of operation switches 60.

[0111] The operation switches 60 include a mode selection switch, powerswitch, paper discharge switch, and the like. The operation states ofthe switches included in the operation switches 60 are output to the CPU50 via an input port 62.

[0112] The CPU 50 acquires time information from a timepiece device 311having a calendar function, and manages printer jobs using this timeinformation. The timepiece device 311 is backed up by a secondarybattery 312 to be able to continue its timepiece operation while thepower switch of the printer 12 is OFF.

[0113] The operation for printing an image sensed by the digital camera10 using the printer 12 will be described below with reference to FIGS.19 to 22. FIGS. 19 and 20 are flow charts showing the control operationof the digital camera 10. FIGS. 21 and 22 are flow charts showing thecontrol operation of the printer 12. FIG. 23 shows the selection windowof print modes of the digital camera 10. FIG. 24 shows the selectionwindow of other print modes of the digital camera 10.

[0114] When an image sensed by the digital camera 10 is to be printed bythe printer 12, the digital camera 10 is controlled by the CPU 20 inaccordance with a predetermined sequence. As shown in FIG. 19, in stepS501, the CPU 20 detects that the user has pressed the switch 408,instructs the IrDA communication control circuit 42 of the infrared raycommunication interface 16 to start communications, and sets acommunication connection with the printer 12 via the infrared raycommunication interface 16 in accordance with an IrDA communicationprotocol.

[0115] The flow then advances to step S502, and the CPU 20 waits for atransmission request of the print data conversion software from theprinter 12. Upon receiving a print data conversion software request fromthe printer 12, the CPU 20 reads out the print data conversion softwarefrom the ROM 22 in response to the print data conversion softwaretransmission request, and transmits it to the printer 12 via theinfrared ray communication interface 16 in step S503.

[0116] In step S504, the CPU 20 outputs print mode setting dialog windowdata to the display control circuit 36 and controls the circuit 36 todisplay the print mode setting dialog window data on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34. Under such control, the display screen 34 of theliquid crystal display panel 34 displays the selection window of printmodes, i.e., HQ and HS mode, as shown in FIG. 23. The HQ mode instructsthe printer 12 to print an image with high quality, and the HS modeinstructs the printer to print an image at high speed.

[0117] The flow then advances to step S505, and the CPU 20 startsmonitoring of the operation states of the switches included in theoperation switches 38 via the input port 40. Subsequently, in step S506,the CPU 20 monitors if the user presses one of the mode selection switch405, image data selection switch 406, and print switch 408, which areassigned as selection switches of the print mode after depression of theswitch 408. If the user has pressed one of these switches, the CPU 20checks in step S507 if the mode selected by the pressed switch is the HQmode. If the HQ mode is selected, the flow advances to step S508 totransmit an HQ mode setting request to the printer 12 via the infraredray communication interface 16. On the other hand, if the HQ mode is notselected, it is determined that the selected mode is the HS mode, andthe flow advances to step S509 to transmit an HS mode setting request tothe printer 12 via the infrared ray communication interface 16.

[0118] After the setting request of the selected print mode istransmitted, the CPU 20 waits for an image data transmission requestfrom the printer 12 in step S510. Upon receiving an image datatransmission request from the printer 12, the flow advances to step S511shown in FIG. 20.

[0119] In step S511, the CPU 20 reads out image data from the flashmemory 26, and transmits the readout image data to the printer 12 viathe infrared ray communication interface 16. More specifically, the CPU20 transfers image data stored in the flash memory 26 to the IrDAcommunication control circuit 42 via the internal bus 46, and the IrDAcommunication control circuit 42 converts the transferred image datainto a modulated signal. Thereafter, the circuit 42 outputs themodulated signal to the infrared ray transceiver 44, which transmitsinfrared rays 14 corresponding to the modulated signal, therebytransmitting image data to the printer 12.

[0120] Upon completion of transmission of the image data, the flowadvances to step S512, and the CPU 20 transmits a request fordisconnecting communications between the digital camera 10 and printer12 to the printer 12 via the infrared ray communication interface 16.Finally, in step S513, the CPU 20 executes disconnection processing ofthe infrared ray communications for disconnecting the communicationconnection with the printer 12 in accordance with the IrDA communicationprotocol, thus ending this processing.

[0121] On the other hand, the printer 12 is controlled by the CPU 50 inaccordance with a predetermined sequence. As shown in FIG. 21, the CPU50 directs the IrDA communication control circuit 56 of the infrared raycommunication interface 18 to start communications upon receiving thestart instruction of communications with the digital camera 10, and setsa communication connection with the digital camera 10 via the infraredray communication interface 18 in accordance with the IrDA communicationprotocol, in step S601.

[0122] The flow advances to step S602, and the CPU 50 transmits atransmission request of the print data conversion software to thedigital camera 10 via the infrared ray communication interface 18. Instep S603, the CPU 50 waits for the print data conversion softwaretransmitted from the digital camera 10. Upon starting transmission ofthe print data conversion software from the digital camera 10, the flowadvances to step S604, and the CPU 50 receives the print data conversionsoftware and stores it in the RAM 54.

[0123] Upon completion of reception of the print data conversionsoftware, the flow advances to step S605, and the CPU 50 starts thereceived print data conversion software to build an environment forconverting image data transmitted from the digital camera 10 into printdata in the printer 12.

[0124] The flow then advances to step S606, and the CPU 50 waits for aprint mode setting request from the digital camera 10. Upon receiving aprint mode setting request, the CPU 50 checks in step S607 if therequested print mode is the HQ mode. If the requested print mode is theHQ mode, the flow advances to step S608 shown in FIG. 22; otherwise, itis determined that the requested print mode is the HS mode, and the flowadvances to step S614 shown in FIG. 22.

[0125] In step S608, the CPU 50 sets the print mode of the print dataconversion software in the HQ mode, as shown in FIG. 22. Upon settingthe HQ mode, an environment for converting image data transmitted fromthe digital camera 10 into print data corresponding to the HQ data isset. Subsequently, in step S609, the CPU 50 sends an image datatransmission request to the digital camera 10 via the infrared raycommunication interface 18.

[0126] In step S610, the CPU 50 receives infrared rays 14 transmittedfrom the digital camera 10 in response to the image data transmissionrequest. Subsequently, the CPU 50 converts the received image data intoprint data corresponding to the HQ mode in step S611, and executesprinter engine control corresponding to the HQ mode in step S612 totransfer the print data in the HQ mode to the printer engine controlcircuit 64 via the internal bus 68. The CPU 50 then checks in step S613if reception of image data is complete. If reception of image data isnot complete yet, the flow returns to step S610 above, and theprocessing from steps S610 to S612 is repeated until reception of imagedata is complete.

[0127] Upon completion of reception of image data, the flow advances tostep S620, and the CPU 50 waits for reception of a communicationdisconnection request from the digital camera 10. Upon receiving aconnection disconnection request, the CPU 50 executes processing fordisconnecting the communication connection with the digital camera 10via the infrared ray communication interface 18 in accordance with theIrDA communication protocol in step S621, thus ending this processing.

[0128] In step S614, the CPU 50 sets the print mode of the print dataconversion software in the HS mode, as shown in FIG. 22. Upon settingthe HS mode, an environment for converting image data from the digitalcamera 10 into print data corresponding to the HS mode is set.Subsequently, in step S615, the CPU 50 transmits an image datatransmission request to the digital camera 10 via the infrared raycommunication interface 18.

[0129] In step S616, the CPU 50 receives infrared rays 14 transmittedfrom the digital camera 10 in response to the image data transmissionrequest, and extracts image data from the infrared rays. Next, the CPU50 converts the image data into print data corresponding to the HS modein step S617, and executes print engine control corresponding to the HSmode in step S618 to transfer the print data in the HS mode to theprinter engine control circuit 64 via the internal bus 68. The CPU 50then checks in step S619 if reception of image data is complete. Ifreception of image data is not complete yet, the flow returns to stepS616, and the processing in steps S616 to S619 is repeated untilreception of image data is complete.

[0130] Upon completion of image data, the flow advances to step S620,and the CPU 50 waits for reception of a communication disconnectionrequest from the digital camera 10. Upon receiving a connectiondisconnection request, the CPU 50 executes processing for disconnectingthe communication connection with the digital camera 10 via the infraredray communication interface 18 in accordance with the IrDA communicationprotocol in step S621, thus ending this processing.

[0131] As described above, in the image processing system of the secondembodiment, when an image sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed bythe printer 12, a communication connection is set between the digitalcamera 10 and printer 12 by transmitting/receiving infrared rays 14 viatheir infrared ray communication interfaces 16 and 18. The digitalcamera 10 transmits the print data conversion software to the printer 12as infrared rays 14, and the printer 12 starts the print data conversionsoftware. Thereafter, the digital camera 10 transmits image data to theprinter 12 as infrared rays 14. The print data conversion softwarerunning on the printer 12 converts the image data into print data. Inthis way, an image sensed by the digital camera 10 can be directlyprinted by the printer 12 without inserting any personal computerbetween the digital camera 10 and printer 12, i.e., without requiringany cumbersome operations.

[0132] In the second embodiment, one of the HQ and HS modes is selectedas the print mode. Alternatively, other modes may be set. When theprinter comprises an ink-jet printer, pseudo halftone processing must bedone. The pseudo halftone processing includes some methods such as ED(error diffusion), dither, and the like, and some of these pseudohalftone processing methods may be selected. In order to select somepseudo halftone processing methods, a dialog window for selecting one ofED and dither is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 34, as shown in FIG. 24, in the same manner as selectionof the print modes, and one of these methods is selected by the switchoperation, thus allowing the user to set halftone processing of his orher choice.

[0133] In addition to the above setting, other modes for setting, e.g.,color matching may be set. A corresponding dialog window is displayed onthe liquid crystal display panel 34 in correspondence with the modes tobe set, and the user selects a desired mode using the switches, thuseasily setting various modes.

[0134] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the print data conversionsoftware is installed on the digital camera 10, and is transmitted tothe printer 12 when an image sensed by the digital camera 10 is printedby the printer 12. Alternatively, print data software corresponding toimage data of the digital camera 10 may be pre-installed on the printer12. In place of installing all the components of the print dataconversion software in the printer 12, some components are installed inthe printer, and the remaining components are installed in the digitalcamera 10 and are transmitted to the printer 12 when an image sensed bythe digital camera 10 is printed by the printer 12. More specifically,only a software portion for decompressing image data compressed in theJPEG format may be transferred from the digital camera 10, and asoftware portion for converting the decompressed image data into printdata may be installed on the printer 12.

[0135] Moreover, the second embodiment uses infrared ray communicationbased on IrDA. In place of IrDA, ASK (amplitude shift keying) may beused. Also, other radio communication schemes using sonic waves, radiowaves, and the like may be used, and radio wave schemes such as atime-division digital communication scheme such as PHS, spread spectrumscheme, and the like may be used.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the print data conversion software isstored in the RAM 52 in the printer 12. In place of the RAM 52, astorage means such as a hard disk, a memory card, or the like may bearranged, and the print data conversion software may be stored in thisstorage means.

[0137] The second embodiment has exemplified the case wherein an imagesensed by the digital camera 10 is printed. Also, the present inventioncan be applied to a case wherein an image sensed in the still mode of adigital video camera is printed.

[0138] (Third Embodiment)

[0139] The third embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of an image processing system.

[0140] The third embodiment is different from the above-mentioned secondembodiment in that print data conversion software is transmitted from apersonal computer to a printer.

[0141] The image processing system of the third embodiment comprises adigital camera (not shown) with an IrDA type infrared ray communicationinterface, and a printer 12 with an IrDA type infrared ray communicationinterface 18, as shown in FIG. 25. A digital camera 10 and the printer12 communicate with each other by transmitting/receiving infrared raysvia their infrared ray communication interfaces. When an image sensed bythe digital camera 10 is printed, image data is transmitted from thedigital camera 10 via the infrared ray communication interface, and isreceived by the printer 12 via the infrared ray communication interface18. The received image data is converted into print data that can beprinted by print data conversion software executed by a CPU 50 of theprinter 12, and an image is printed on the basis of the converted printdata.

[0142] This print data conversion software is installed on a personalcomputer (to be abbreviated as a PC hereinafter) 901, which transmitsthe print data conversion software as infrared rays 903 via an infraredray communication interface 902 in response to a transmission request ofthe print data conversion software from the printer 12. The printer 12receives the infrared rays 903 sent from the PC 901 via the infrared raycommunication interface 18, and extracts the print data conversionsoftware from the infrared rays 903. The print data conversion softwareis held in a RAM in the printer 12. The infrared ray communicationinterface 902 arranged in the PC 901 is based on IrDA, and acommunication protocol for transmitting the print data conversionsoftware uses that based on IrDA as in the above-mentioned secondembodiment.

[0143] The output timing of the transmission request of the print dataconversion software is set a predetermined period of time after thestartup process of the power supply of the printer is complete. In placeof this timing, the print data conversion software transmission requestmay be issued at another timing before reception of image data. Also,the PC 901 may output a reception request of the print data conversionsoftware, and the printer 12 may send a transmission grant message tothe PC 901 in response to this request.

[0144] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0145] The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 26. FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of an image processing system.

[0146] The fourth embodiment is substantially the same as theabove-mentioned second embodiment except that communications between adigital camera 10 and printer 12 are done via a serial wiredcommunication means.

[0147] In the image processing system of the fourth embodiment, as shownin FIG. 26, the digital camera 10 and printer 12 are connected to eachother via a serial communication cable 1201, and serial communicationsbetween the digital camera 10 and printer 12 are done in accordance withthe USB (Universal Serial Bus) scheme. With communication based on theUSB scheme, electric power can be supplied from the printer 12 to thedigital camera 10. Note that the IEEE1394 communication scheme may beused in place of the USB scheme.

[0148] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0149] The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 27 to 31. FIGS. 27 to 29 are flow chartsshowing the control operation of a digital camera 10. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the control operation of a printer 12. FIG. 31 shows animage to be output from the printer 12.

[0150] The fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the secondembodiment described above, except that the digital camera 10 convertsimage data into print data via print data conversion software andtransmits additional information including date data such as the imagesensing time to the printer 12 together with the printer 12, and theprinter 12 prints an image on a paper sheet as a print medium on thebasis of the received image data and also prints the received additionalinformation on a region outside the print region printed based on theprint data. That is, the arrangements of the digital camera 10 andprinter 12 and the communication scheme therebetween are the same asthose in the second embodiment.

[0151] Control by the CPU 20 of the digital camera 10 upon printing animage sensed by the digital camera 10 using the printer will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 20 waits for depression of the powerswitch 408 (FIG. 18) in step S1301. Upon depression of the power switch408, the CPU 20 recognizes the depression of the power switch 408 viathe input port 40, and supplies electric power to the individual blocksin step S1302.

[0153] The CPU 20 then checks in step S1303 on the basis of theoperation state of the mode selection switch 405 (FIG. 18) if an imagesensing mode is set. If the image sensing mode is set, the flow advancesto step S1304. In step S1304, the CPU 20 controls to convert an imagesensed by the image sensing circuit 28 into image data and temporarilystore the image data in the image memory 32, and to supply the imagedata to the display control circuit 36 and display it on the liquidcrystal display panel 34. Since the image data is displayed on theliquid crystal display panel 34, the liquid crystal display panel 34serves as a finder.

[0154] In step S1305, the CPU 20 monitors via the input port 40 to seeif the shutter switch 404 (FIG. 18) has been pressed. If depression ofthe shutter switch 404 is not detected, the flow returns to step S1303to repeat the processing from step S1303. Upon detecting the depressionof the shutter switch 404, the flow advances to step S1306, and the CPU20 stores image data stored in the image memory 32 in a first area ofthe flash memory 26 via the internal bus 46. Subsequently, in stepS1307, the CPU 20 acquires date data from the timepiece device 215, andstores that date data in a second area which is allocated incorrespondence with the first area of the flash memory 26.

[0155] The flow then advances to step S1308, and the CPU 20 detects thepresence/absence of depression of the power switch 404 via the inputport 40 again. If the depression of the power switch 404 is notdetected, the flow returns to step S1303 above. If the image sensingmode remains set, the CPU 20 repeats the processing from step S1304.Note that the maximum number of times of image sensing is determined bythe capacity of the flash memory 26. Upon detecting the depression ofthe power switch 404, the flow advances to step S1309, and the CPU 20stops power supply to the individual blocks, thus ending thisprocessing. Since the timepiece device 215 is backed up by the secondarybattery 216, it continues the timepiece operation irrespectively of stopof power supply to the individual blocks.

[0156] If the CPU 20 determines in step S1303 that a reproduction modeis selected, the flow advances to step S1310 shown in FIG. 28. In stepS1310, the CPU 20 controls to read out image data from the flash memory26 and supply the readout image data to the display control circuit 36so as to display it on the liquid crystal display panel 34. That is,since the readout image data is displayed on the liquid crystal displaypanel 34, the liquid crystal display panel 34 serves as a monitor.

[0157] Subsequently, in step S1311, the CPU 20 detects via the inputport 40 if the print switch 408 (FIG. 18) has been depressed. Ifdepression of the print switch 408 is not detected, the flow advances tostep S1318 shown in FIG. 29. In step S1318, the CPU 20 detects via theinput port 40 if the image selection switch 406 (FIG. 18) has beenpressed. If depression of the image selection switch 406 is detected,the flow advances to step S1319; otherwise, the flow returns to stepS1303. In step S1319, the CPU 20 controls to read out the next imagedata from the flash memory 26 and supply it to the display controlcircuit 36, thus displaying an image on the liquid crystal display panel34. After the image data is displayed, the flow returns to step S1311.

[0158] Upon detecting the depression of the print switch 408 in stepS1311, the flow advances to step S1312, and the CPU 20 reads out imagedata from the flash memory 26 and converts it into print data using theprint data conversion software. Subsequently, in step S1313, the CPU 20transmits the print data to the printer 12 as infrared rays 14 from theinfrared ray communication interface 16. The print data is transmittedfrom the infrared ray communication interface 16 in the same fashion asin the second embodiment described above.

[0159] After the print data is transmitted, the flow advances to stepS1314, and the CPU 20 reads out the date data stored in correspondencewith the image data from the flash memory 26, converts it into charactercode data, and transmits the character code data to the printer 12 asinfrared rays 14 from the infrared ray communication interface 16. Next,in step S1315, the CPU 20 reads out the name of the digital camera 10,which is pre-stored in the ROM 22, converts it into character code data,and transmits the character code data to the printer 12 as infrared rays14 from the infrared ray communication interface 16.

[0160] The flow then advances to step S1316, and the CPU 20 detects thepresence/absence of depression of the power switch 404 via the inputport 40 again. If the depression of the power switch 404 is notdetected, the flow returns to step S1318 (FIG. 29) above. If depressionof the image selection switch 406 is detected in step S1318, the flowadvances to step S1319. In step S1319, the CPU 20 controls to read outthe next image data from the flash memory 26 and supply it to thedisplay control circuit 36, thus displaying an image on the liquidcrystal display panel 34. After the readout image data is displayed, theflow returns to step S1311. If depression of the print switch 408 isdetected in step S1311, the next print data is converted into printdata, and is then transmitted to the printer 12.

[0161] Upon detecting the depression of the power switch 404 in stepS1316, the flow advances to step S1317, and the CPU 20 stops powersupply to the individual blocks, thus ending this processing.

[0162] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30, in the printer 12, theCPU 50 waits for reception of infrared rays 14 in step S1601. Uponreceiving infrared rays 14, the CPU 50 checks in step S1602 if dataindicated by the received infrared rays 14 is print data. If print datais received, the CPU 50 temporarily stores the received print data inthe RAM 54 in step S1603, and transfers the print data stored in the RAM54 to the printer engine control circuit 64 via the internal bus 68 instep S1604. Upon receiving print data, the printer engine controlcircuit 64 controls the printer engine 66 to print a corresponding imageon a paper sheet on the basis of the print data.

[0163] The flow advances to step S1605, and the CPU 50 checks ifprinting of the print data is complete If the printing of the print datais not complete yet, the flow returns to step S1601 to repeat theprocessing from step S1601 to step S1605 until the printing of the printdata is complete.

[0164] Upon completion of printing of the print data, the flow advancesto step S1606, and the CPU 50 waits until it receives character codeinformation transmitted after the print data from the digital camera 10.Upon receiving the character code information, the flow advances to stepS1607, and the CPU 50 reads out font data corresponding to the receivedcharacter code information from the ROM 52. In step S1608, the CPU 50transfers the readout font data to the printer engine control circuit 64via the internal bus 68. Upon receiving the font data, the printerengine control circuit 64 controls the printer engine 66 to printcorresponding characters on a region outside the image printed region onthe paper sheet on the basis of the font data.

[0165] The flow then advances to step S1609, and the CPU 50 checks ifprinting of the character code information is complete. If the printingof the character code information is not complete yet, the flow returnsto step S1601, and the CPU 50 repeats the processing from step S1601 tostep S1609 via steps S1602 and S1606 until the printing of the charactercode information is complete.

[0166] Upon completion of printing of the character code information,the flow advances to step S1610, and the CPU 50 disconnects thecommunication connection with the digital camera 10 in accordance withthe IrDA communication protocol. Thereafter, the paper sheet is output,and this processing ends.

[0167] In this manner, the printer outputs a paper sheet on which theimage (the selected image displayed on a liquid crystal display panel)sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed, and date information and thename of the digital camera are printed on the region outside the imageprinted region. As shown in FIG. 31, on an output paper sheet 701, animage (the selected image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel)702 sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed, and date information anda name (ABC) 703 of the digital camera 10 are printed on the region(lower region in FIG. 31) outside the printed region of the image 702.

[0168] As described above, in the image processing system of the fifthembodiment, when an image sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed bythe printer 12, the image sensed by the digital camera 10 can bedirectly printed by the printer 12 without interposing any personalcomputer between the digital camera 10 and printer 12, by makinginfrared ray communications between the digital camera 10 and printer12. Also, since additional information corresponding to an image sensedby the digital camera is transmitted together with that sensed image,and the printer 12 prints the additional information of that image onthe region outside the image printed region, the user can detect theimage sensing date, digital camera 10 used, and the like on the basis ofthe additional information, and can easily manage sensed images usingprinted paper sheets.

[0169] Note that the fifth embodiment uses additional informationincluding date data such as an image sensing date, and the name of thedigital camera 10. Also, additional information including the shutterspeed, the selected image sensing mode such as a closeup mode,wide-angle mode, telephoto mode, or the like, the number of pixels, thecompression ratio of image data, and the like may be stored incorrespondence with image data, and may be printed together with theimage data. In this case, the user can recognize the image sensingconditions and setting contents in detail on the basis of the printedresults.

[0170] On the other hand, the digital camera 10 may comprise a means forappropriately selecting items of additional information.

[0171] Furthermore, the items of additional information may include atitle, image sensing location, weather, memorandum, and the like asthose to be input using keys, and upon selecting these items,corresponding information may be written using keys.

[0172] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0173] The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 32 to 34. FIGS. 32 and 33 are flow chartsshowing the control operation of the printer 12. FIG. 34 shows an imageto be output from the printer 12.

[0174] The sixth embodiment is substantially the same as theabove-mentioned fifth embodiment, except that when the digital camera 10does not transmit any additional information to the printer 12, theprinter 12 generates additional information and prints the generatedadditional information on a region outside the image printed region.That is, the arrangements of the digital camera 10 and printer 12 andcommunication scheme therebetween are the same as those in the fifthembodiment.

[0175] In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the processingcontents in steps S1801 to S1811 are the same as those in steps S1601 toS1610 shown in FIG. 30 in the fifth embodiment described above, exceptfor step S1806. An explanation of the steps with the same processingcontents will be omitted or briefly given, and steps with differentprocessing contents will be described in detail below.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 32, upon completion of printing of print data,the CPU 50 checks in step S1806 if additional information is transmittedfrom the digital camera 10 together with the print data. If additionalinformation is not transmitted, the flow advances to step S1812 shown inFIG. 33. The CPU 50 acquires date data from the timepiece device 312 instep S1812, and converts the acquired date data into character code datain step S1813, as shown in FIG. 33.

[0177] The flow then advances to step S1814, and the CPU reads out fontdata corresponding to the character code data from the ROM 52. In stepS1815, the CPU 50 transfers the readout font data to the printer enginecontrol circuit 64 via the internal bus 68. Upon receiving the fontdata, the printer engine control circuit 64 controls the printer engine66 to print corresponding characters (printed date) on a region outsidethe image printed region on the basis of the font data.

[0178] The flow advances to step S1816, and the CPU 50 acquirescharacter code data of the printer name from the ROM 52. Subsequently,the CPU 50 reads out font data corresponding to the acquired charactercode data from the ROM 52 in step S1817, and transfers the readout fontdata to the printer engine control circuit 64 via the internal bus 68 instep S1818. Upon receiving the font data, the printer engine controlcircuit 64 controls the printer engine 66 to print correspondingcharacters (printer name) on a region outside the image printed regionon the basis of the font data.

[0179] Finally, the flow advances to step S1811, and the CPU 50disconnects the communication connection with the digital camera 10 inaccordance with the IrDA communication protocol. Thereafter, a papersheet is output, and this processing ends.

[0180] As described above, when the digital camera 10 does not transmitany additional information, the printer 12 generates additionalinformation (printed date, printer name), and outputs a paper sheet onwhich the image sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed, and thegenerated additional information is printed on the region outside theimage printed region. As shown in FIG. 34, on an output paper sheet 901,an image (the selected image displayed on the liquid crystal displaypanel) 902 sensed by the digital camera 10 is printed, and the printeddate and a printer name (XYZ) 903 are printed on the region (lowerregion in FIG. 34) outside the printed region of the image 902.

[0181] In summary, in the image processing system of the sixthembodiment, when the digital camera 10 does not transmit any additionalinformation, the printer 12 generates additional information, and printsit on the region outside the image printed region. For this reason, theuser can detect the image printed data, printer used, and the like onthe basis of the additional information, and can estimate the imagesensing date of the printed image on the basis of the printed date andthe like.

[0182] As described above, according to the present invention, the imageprocessing system which can easily print an image sensed by the digitalcamera using a printer can be provided.

[0183] Also, the digital camera and printing apparatus used in theabove-mentioned image processing system can be provided.

[0184] <Other Embodiment>

[0185] The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by aplurality of devices (e.g., host computer, interface, reader, printer)or to an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., copy machine,facsimile).

[0186] Further, the object of the present invention can be also achievedby providing a storage medium storing program codes for performing theaforesaid processes to a system or an apparatus, reading the programcodes with a computer (e.g., CPU, MPU) of the system or apparatus fromthe storage medium, then executing the program.

[0187] In this case, the program codes read from the storage mediumrealize the functions according to the embodiments, and the storagemedium storing the program codes constitutes the invention.

[0188] Further, the storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, a magnetic tape,a non-volatile type memory card, and ROM can be used for providing theprogram codes.

[0189] Furthermore, besides aforesaid functions according to the aboveembodiments are realized by executing the program codes which are readby a computer, the present invention includes a case where an OS(Operating System) or the like working on the computer performs a partor entire processes in accordance with designations of the program codesand realizes functions according to the above embodiments.

[0190] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a case where,after the program codes read from the storage medium are written in afunction expansion card which is inserted into the computer or in amemory provided in a function expansion unit which is connected to thecomputer, CPU or the like contained in the function expansion card orunit performs a part or entire process in accordance with designationsof the program codes and realizes functions of the above embodiments.

[0191] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of thescope of the present invention the following claims are made.

What is claimed:
 111. A camera comprising: an image sensor adapted toconvert an optical image into electric image signals; a communicationunit adapted to directly communicate with a printer; a converter, afterreceiving characteristic information of a print medium used in theprinter via said communication unit, adapted to convert said electricimage signals from said image sensor into image data suitable for theprinter on the basis of the characteristic information; and a controlleradapted to directly transmit the image data converted by said converterto the printer to cause the printer to print the image data.
 112. Thecamera according to claim 111, wherein said characteristic informationof the print medium used in the printer includes information on a sizeof print paper set in the printer.
 113. The camera according to claim112, wherein said converter comprises a first mode of automaticallychanging a size of an image based on said electric image signals on thebasis of the information on the size of the print paper.
 114. The cameraaccording to claim 113, wherein said converter comprises a second modeof converting said electric image signals on the basis of a fixedmagnification ratio regardless of the information on the size of theprint paper.
 115. The camera according to claim 114, further comprisinga selector adapted to select said first mode or said second mode.
 116. Acamera comprising: an image sensor adapted to convert an optical imageinto electric image signals; a communication unit adapted to directlycommunicate with a printer; an acquisition unit adapted to acquiresoftware for printing via said communication unit; a converter, afteracquiring the software for printing via said communication unit, adaptedto convert said electric image signals from said image sensor into imagedata suitable for the printer using the software; and a controlleradapted to directly transmit the image data converted by said converterto the printer to cause the printer to print the image data.
 117. Thecamera according to claim 116, wherein said acquisition unit acquiresthe software for printing from the printer.
 118. The camera according toclaim 116, wherein said acquisition unit acquires the software forprinting from an external computer.
 119. The camera according to claim116, further comprising a display for displaying an image based on theelectric image signals.
 120. The camera according to claim 119, furthercomprising a correction unit adapted to correct the image displayed onsaid display.
 121. The camera according to claim 120, wherein saidcontroller transmits image data of the image corrected by saidcorrection unit means to the printer.
 122. The camera according to claim119, wherein said correction unit corrects a zoom condition of the imagedisplayed on said display.
 123. The camera according to claim 116,wherein, after characteristic information of the printer is received viasaid communication unit, said converter converts said electric imagesignals from said image sensor into image data suitable for the printeron the basis of the characteristic information.
 124. The cameraaccording to claim 123, wherein said characteristic information of theprinter includes information on a size of print paper set in theprinter.
 125. The camera according to claim 124, wherein said convertercomprises a first mode of automatically changing a size of an imagebased on said electric image signals on the basis of the information onthe size of the print paper.
 126. The camera according to claim 125,wherein said converter comprises a second mode of converting saidelectric image signals on the basis of a fixed magnification ratioregardless of the information on the size of the print paper.
 127. Thecamera according to claim 126, further comprising a selector adapted toselect said first mode or said second mode.
 128. The camera according toclaim 116, wherein said communication unit is an optical communicationunit.
 129. The camera according to claim 116, wherein said communicationunit communicates via a cable.
 130. The camera according to claim 116,further comprising a pseudo half-tone process changing unit adapted tochange a state of pseudo half-tone processing on the electric imagesignals under conversion by said converter.
 131. The camera according toclaim 116, further comprising a changer adapted to change at least oneof a print paper size and printing quality.
 132. The camera according toclaim 116, further comprising a unit, after finishing acquiring thesoftware for printing, adapted to automatically initiate the software.133. The camera according to claim 116, wherein said controllertemporarily stores the image data converted by said converter in amemory, reads the image data from the memory, then transmits the imagedata to the printer.
 135. The printer according to claim 137, whereinsaid print unit prints the predetermined data of the printer in an areaoutside of a print area of the image data.
 136. The printer according toclaim 137, the predetermined additional data includes at least one ofdate information, a name of the camera, an image sensing mode,number-of-pixel information, and compression-ratio information.
 137. Aprinter comprising: a communication unit adapted to communicate with acamera; a determination unit adapted to determine whether or notpredetermined additional data for printing is added to image datareceived from the camera via said communication unit; a print unitadapted to print the image data with predetermined data of the printerwhen said determination unit determines that the predeterminedadditional data for printing is not added to the image data; and anacquisition unit adapted to acquire software for printing.
 138. Theprinter according to claim 137, further comprising a converter, afteracquiring the software for printing, adapted to convert the image datafrom the camera into image data suitable for the print unit using thesoftware.
 139. The printer according to claim 137, wherein saidacquisition unit acquires the software for printing from the camera.140. The printer according to claim 137, wherein said acquisition unitacquires the software for printing from an external computer.
 141. Theprinter according to claim 137, further comprising a unit adapted tostore the software in a memory card.
 142. The printer according to claim137, wherein said communication unit is an optical communication unit.143. The printer according to claim 137, wherein said communication unitcommunicates via a cable.
 144. The printer according to claim 137,further comprising a unit, after finishing acquiring the software forprinting, adapted to automatically initiate the software.